The Cadillac Formula 1 outfit has confirmed that Graeme Lowdon’s dismissal as its team principal “wasn’t a mutual decision” - adding he was only told on the morning. Cadillac made a shock announcement on Wednesday that Lowdon had been replaced by ex-Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski for the rest of the 2026 campaign and beyond. It came during the summer shutdown of the American squad’s debut season in F1, where it is bottom of the championship and without a point after 11 rounds.\n\nHowever CEO Dan Towriss confirmed “it was my decision” during a media roundtable alongside Budkowski. “It wasn't a mutual decision,” confirmed Towriss. “The process started a few months ago: really thinking about what the next phase for Cadillac Formula 1 looks like… So Graeme Lowdon and I spoke this morning, so I think it is a very recent conversation.” Towriss added that keeping the transition quiet was necessary to avoid destabilising the team.\n\nConsidering the abrupt nature of the sacking, it led to questions on social media as to ‘why now’.

Towriss denied that Lowdon was there in an “interim capacity”, instead citing performance and alignment issues. “What I can say is, what was accomplished, I have immense respect for… it was the right time based on the circumstances,” he said. The team is now focused on Budkowski’s leadership for the future.